Review finds women with same conditions as men less likely to receive active treatment

The short version

• Researchers at the University of St Andrews analysed 38 studies and found that in 33 of them women were less likely to be offered active treatment than men with the same conditions.[The Guardian]
• The disparity spanned cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, Parkinson's and liver failure, and women were also less likely to receive opioids for pain management.[The Guardian]
• No significant difference between the sexes was found for stroke and diabetes, while women were more likely to be treated for dementia.[The Guardian]
• The authors concluded the gap was not explained by guidelines recommending different clinical approaches by sex, raising the question of whether unequal care is a factor.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Researchers at the University of St Andrews analysed 38 studies and found that in 33 of them women were less likely to be offered active treatment than men with the same conditions.[The Guardian]
• The review covered conditions including cardiovascular problems, kidney disease and Parkinson's, and was published in the journal Plos One.[The Guardian]
• Women with myocardial infarction, heart failure or an irregular heartbeat were more likely to be given medication, while men were more likely to receive a coronary bypass or stent, and women were also less likely to be prescribed statins.[The Guardian]
• Men with Parkinson's were more likely to be referred for deep brain stimulation, and men with liver failure were more likely to receive a transplant than women.[The Guardian]
• Female kidney patients requiring dialysis were less likely to be given permanent access and spent longer using a catheter, and women were less likely to be given opioids for pain management.[The Guardian]
• The review found no significant difference between the sexes in treatment for stroke and diabetes, and women were more likely to be treated for dementia.[The Guardian]
• The authors concluded the discrepancy was not due to guidelines recommending different clinical approaches by sex, as none of the studies identified such a guideline.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Women with same health conditions as men ‘less likely to be offered active treatment’The Guardian - Science